King Lear

William Shakespeare

Main CharactersKing Lear: A proud monarch who learns the value of humanity only after losing his sanity and status. Goneril and Regan: Lear’s eldest daughters who represent cold-hearted ambition and the betrayal of filial duty. Cordelia: Lear’s youngest daughter who represents selfless love and integrity in a world of corruption.

First Performance: 1606, at Whitehall Palace

Regarded as a powerful but difficult work; famously rewritten with a happy ending in the 17th century before the original was restored.